Studio Salon: The Free Black Women's Library

Studio Salon is the Museum's literary society that invites language lovers to participate in an ongoing series of programs that are inspired by our exhibitions and explore the intersections of literature and contemporary art! This edition of Studio Salon is presented on the occasion of Black: Color, Material, Concept, an exhibition that explores the ways that modern and contemporary artists of African descent consider the possibilities of “black” through their choice of media, their imagery and the ideas they bring towards their work.

Join us as The Free Black Women's Library—an itinerant and interactive bookstore by Olaronke Akinmowo celebrating books written by Black women—pops-up in the Museum's Atrium. It takes inspiration from the literary movement of book sharing, where one is invited to take a book and leave a book, empowering all involved in the exchange to expand their literary minds. By paying special attention to voices that are rarely heard within the Western literary cannon, the library provokes a shift in perspective, inspiring dialogue, respect, and deeper understanding.

Akinmowo will bring a curated selection from the 350 books housed in the FBWL's collection, that speaks to themes considered by artists in the exhibition Black: Color, Material, Concept. So drop by prepared to participate in thoughtful exchange, hear excerpts from artists and authors, and maybe even exchange a book of your own!

Visit the project's tumblr to find out how to donate books to Ola and The Little Free Black Woman's Library. You can also follow Ola and the library on facebook.